When I headed off to college in 1962, I had every intention of completing my four years and then becoming a teacher. But it seems life had a very different plan for me. My vision for the future started to change during my junior year at Arizona State. It was then that I married my high school sweetheart. To build up our savings, I began working full-time and attending school part-time, which put me behind schedule from my original plan. I was alright with the change, though, because working ensured that my lovely new bride could still graduate on time. After my wife graduated, I went back to school full-time. But just as everything seemed to be getting back on track, another wrench was thrown into the works — I was drafted into the Vietnam War. I had never envisioned myself joining the armed forces, but I chose to embrace the idea by applying to Officer Candidate School for the U.S. Air Force. Unfortunately, though, my military examiner deemed that I had “bad feet,” which led to my exclusion from the war. It was only after my military career was denied that I realized I hadn’t made any backup plans for the future. Fortunately, an opportunity presented itself in the form of Arizona State’s new law school. It was scheduled to open just as I was debating what to do next. With my father’s encouragement, I decided to apply. The rest, as they say, is history. The journey that brought me into the work world was nothing like what I had imagined for my future. Still, the experience taught me a lot about life and, later, law. My biggest takeaway from the whole endeavor, though, was that life is unpredictable. Luckily for me, the surprises dropped in my path led me to one that was even more fitting in the long run. In my role as an attorney — whether I’m practicing estate planning, probate law, or criminal defense — I get to put my skills and interests to use in a way that can change my clients’ lives for the better. Each day, I have the opportunity to educate, console, and guide real people facing real dilemmas. On the best of days, those same people who came to me with concerns leave feeling heard, understood, and in an overall better place. It would be unrealistic for me to say that every possibility in life can be planned for — that’s simply not true. But after more than 45 years in the legal profession, I can safely declare three truths: 1) thorough planning goes a long way, 2) with a strong support system, you can make it through even the toughest of times, and 3) getting the right kind of help can make all the difference in protecting what matters most to you. If you’d like to learn more about how I could help ease your legal burden, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

While attempting to keep to a budget and redistribute debt payment in order to keep your family fed or run your business, bills will continue to pile up, creditors will continue to harass you, and you could face severe consequences, such as the foreclosure of your home or garnishment of your wages. I'm Mark Atchley, an experienced, dedicated bankruptcy attorney serving clients in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Tempe, Phoenix and all over Maricopa and Pinal counties. I offer strategic advocacy and counsel to help individuals, families and businesses get out of debt through bankruptcy solutions. If you are struggling to make ends meet, feel overwhelmed by creditors or the looming possibility of foreclosure, I can help you seek the fresh start you need to achieve financial independence.

Joseph Martineau is a practicing lawyer in the state of Arizona. Attorney Martineau received his J.D. from the Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School in 1976.

David Spilsbury is a practicing lawyer in the state of Arizona.

I am passionate about helping people formulate plans to reach their goals. Since 1999, I have been involved in that process with hundreds of clients as a professional in the financial services industry. In 2011, I enrolled at Arizona Summit Law School. It wasn’t always easy balancing family and school while maintaining a growing financial services company. But with the help of my wife and others, along with some divine intervention, I graduated with honors (summa cum laude) in 2014. The rest is history. Now I spend my time helping individuals and families create and maintain solid estate plans – truly an important work! On a more personal note: Before becoming an attorney, I grew up in Scottsdale, went to Horizon High School, and then joined the United States Marine Corps Reserves. Following my active duty training, I went on a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and later graduated from Arizona State University – go Sun Devils! Along the way I moved to Mesa where I met my sweetheart – Jennifer. We were married in 1999 and have since been blessed with 6 children (4 boys & 2 girls)! So when I’m not at work, I’m usually playing with my family, fixing up the house, or playing basketball. I look forward to meeting you! – Sincerely, Marcus Seiter